[jmackinn]

Unused Gift Cards is a real thing, although not so much a problem. At one of the places I work, we are about to introduce gift cards, and from a business standpoint they are awesome.

Anyone who has a business that could use gift cards should offer them. On average, gift cards will leave anywhere from 10% to 30% of the original total unused (depending on products the card can purchase and the total cost of the card).

These companies that are trying to solve the 'problem' (they are definitely not a problem if you are the one selling them) of unused gift cards may run into problems of their own. Read the back of most gift cards and you find that just like concert tickets, they are non-transferable, non salable, and have no cash value. While it would be incredible difficult to prove a certain gift card was transfered or sold, upset card sellers may be able to go after the companies facilitating the selling (pure speculation).

Personally, I don't think that unused card trading companies will take away much of the profitability of gift cards, but it also may make consumers feel more comfortable buying gift cards.

Either way, unused gift cards are very real, and if you can, you should look into selling them.